Prime Stage Theatre’s new season of Suspense, Hope, and Wonder opens with a classic tale with a new twist. Written over two centuries ago by Mary Shelley, Frankenstein is considered by many as the first true science fiction novel. The story has since become the inspiration for countless film and stage adaptions.
As a storm rages, five friends take shelter in a Swiss mansion. One of them is eighteen-year-old Mary Shelley. Before the night is over, you will see her conceive one of the most horrifying and suspenseful stories ever written – the tale of a man who created life and became a monster.
Liam Macik takes the helm of Prime Stage’s Frankenstein, adapted by Pittsburgh’s own novelist and playwright, Lawrence C. Connolly. The anticipated adaptation blends the birth of Shelley’s story with the creation of the Creature.
This world premiere production follows the epic chain of events that led to the creation of life and asks who really is the monster? Frankenstein’s monster is one of horror’s most beloved (and feared) creatures. A creature has frightened and fascinated audiences worldwide. Frankenstein still poses a myriad of critical ethical questions over 200 years later.
A noted novelist in the horror world, some of Lawrence C. Connolly’s books include the Veins Cycle novels: Veins, Vipers, and Vortex. He has also been featured in top magazines and fantasy, horror, and science fiction anthologies. His screenplay This Way to Egress, co-authored with director David Slade (executive producer of American Gods), is featured in the anthology film Nightmare Cinema, currently streaming on AMC and Shudder. He also writes and produces the podcast Prime Stage Mystery Theatre.
“Shelley’s novel is about creation and how the fruits of our ambitions can take on lives of their own. Frankenstein is as much the story of a writer who met with unexpected success as it is about a scientist who experiences tragic failure. What sets the two apart is that Mary Shelley stood by her creation while Victor disowned his. The upshot: It’s good to dream big, but we must be willing to own the results of those dreams once they take on lives of their own,” said Connolly.
Another Pittsburgh native, Liam Macik, has spent his years on stage, in the director’s chair, and with a pen in hand. Liam served as the founding Artistic Director of Throughline Theatre Company. His directing credits include productions of Judgement at Nuremberg and The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. A recipient of the Peterson Award for Emerging Playwrights for his play, Bastards and Fools and director and writer of a new adaptation of The Scarlet Letter for Prime Stage, Liam understands the delicate balance of working with new works and adaptations. Liam is also an established stage actor, most recently appearing as Lenny in Of Mice and Men.
Watch these two lead a dynamic team as they seamlessly intertwine Mary Shelley’s world with what she envisioned for Victor Frankenstein and his Creature.
For more on Prime Stage’s Frankenstein, including cast bios, visit: https://primestage.com/events/frankenstein/
Performances November 4th to 13th at the New Hazlett Theatre. Tickets at: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36406/production/1134627
Categories: Show Previews
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